En Solutions-Brochure Axiocam Family

ZEISS Axiocam Family
Your Guide to Microscope Camera Technology

from ZEISS.
zeiss.com/axiocam
Cameras for Teaching or High End Color High End Fluorescence Integrated Network
Routine Applications Cameras Cameras Cameras
Polarization Camera
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Visualization and Documentation
Camera technology as diverse as your
imaging and documentation tasks.
Recent years have seen rapid developments in the processing All things considered, there is simply no such thing as
and documentation of microscopic images. Technology has the perfect microscope camera – it just depends on the
evolved from video cameras connected by frame-grabbing applications at hand. This guide aims to give you an overview
control cards to today’s purely digital cameras operated via of the whole portfolio of ZEISS Axiocams. These dedicated
USB, FireWire or quick Ethernet interfaces. Whichever camera microscope cameras range from compact color cameras
technology you are using for microscopy, you will always for routine documentation to fast, sensitive monochrome
need high contrast resolution, good sensitivity and dynamic cameras for gentle live cell imaging. Explore typical
performance, and a high readout speed. Often, short applications and use the performance matrix to decide which
exposure times and the option of r ecording a quick series of A xiocam is the right one for you. Use the camera terminology
images will be just as important as exact color r eproduction. chapter to learn about fundamental principles and the words
which are used to describe them.
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Select your ZEISS Axiocam to match your requirements.
Welcome to the fascinating world of microscope cameras. With this compendium, you’ll get an
overview about the whole portfolio of ZEISS Axiocams. Discover many exciting applications and
use it as your guide to selecting the best camera for your imaging and documentation tasks.
Cameras for Teaching or Routine Applications Integrated Network Cameras
These cameras meet the needs for easy operation and efficiency. These cameras can be connected to your WiFi – giving you freedom of
You benefit from live images with exactly the right resolution and crisp sharing your images with colleagues. Already integrated into the microscope
contrast. stand, these cameras are always well adjusted.
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High End Color Cameras Software
These cameras all deliver outstanding true color images in high resolution. Each Axiocam comes with a bundle of free software for basic imaging tasks
Their high dynamic range and high frame rates meet the needs of even the or can be combined with several high end modules of ZEN imaging software
most demanding pathology or histology imaging. For polarized light tailored to your applications.
applications a special camera provides meaningful color-coded visualization.
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High End Fluorescence Cameras Knowledge Base
These sensitive monochrome cameras are dedicated to capture even faint Learn about fundamental terms of camera technology and their meaning.
signals from your living samples. Each Axiocam contributes a unique See how sensor type, resolution, frame rate and sensitivity are
combination of resolution, sensitivity and speed to your most demanding interconnected and influence your results.
live cell imaging experiments.
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Cameras for Teaching or Routine Applications
Enjoy efficient, easy operation.
These cameras meet the needs for easy operation and efficiency.
You benefit from live images with exactly the right resolution and crisp contrast.
8 Cameras for Teaching or Routine Applications Cameras for Teaching or Routine Applications 9
ZEISS Axiocam 105 color
Your 5 Megapixel Microscope Camera
for Documentation in Routine Labs
Fish, HE staining, brightfield, acquired with ZEISS Stemi 305 Graphite in brightfield, objective: EC Epiplan-NEOFLUAR 20×
Recommended for Simpler. More Intelligent. More Integrated.
Axiocam 105 color is your small, no-frills microscope camera. • Applications with bright samples • 5 megapixel CMOS sensor
With its compact design, it makes quick and efficient work of • Documentation • 30 images per second at full 5 megapixel color resolution 1.0
your daily documentation needs. • Education / Teaching • 8 bit digitization
Relative Spectral Sensitivity

0.8
With its USB 3.0 connection, experience a high speed data • Routine tasks • High resolution with 2.2 µm pixel
transfer rate for handling your high resolution 5 megapixel • Materials testing • Easy to use super-speed USB 3.0 connection 0.6
color images. Offering an exposure time range of 30 µs to • Quality assurance / Q uality control • Color and black & white imaging modes
1 s and a live frame rate of up to 30 images per second, the • Fast and efficient operation with ZEN imaging software 0.4
camera allows you to be well prepared to cover multiple

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tasks. Document your results quickly and conveniently.
With its attractive price-performance ratio, you can also 0.0
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expand the capability of your fluorescence imaging system
Wavelength (nm)
with color imaging. Axiocam 105 color is ideal as a secondary
camera on fluorescence microscopes that are traditionally Relative spectral sensitivity
equipped with monochrome cameras.

The camera’s small form factor also lends itself well to
environments with limited space.
ZEISS Axiocam 202 mono
Your 2 Megapixel Stand-alone Microscope Camera
for Routine Fluorescence Documentation
Mink endometrium cells, Vimentin (Ms) – Alexa Fluor 568, Phalloidin – Alexa Indian muntiac, deer epidermis fibroblasts, Tubulin (Ms) – Alexa Fluor 405,
Fluor 488, Hoechst 33342, acquired with ZEISS Axioscope 5, objective: Plan- Phalloidin – Texas Red, SYTOX Green, acquired with ZEISS Axioscope 5,
APOCHROMAT 20× / 0.8 objective: Plan-NEOFLUAR 10× / 0.3
Axiocam 202 mono is your 2 megapixel monochrome • Applications with bright fluorescence samples • 2 megapixel CMOS chip sensor with image diagonal
microscope camera with automatic functions for routine • Documentation of 13 mm and large pixel size for high sensitivity in 1.0

fluorescence applications. With this CMOS sensor camera • Education / Teaching fluorescence documentation 0.9
0.8
you can easily acquire monochrome images in stand-alone • Fluorescence imaging applications with live and fixed cells • Choose between 12 bit or 8 bit digitization 0.7
mode with no need of a PC. Since the camera automatically • Documentation of fluorescent cell cultures • Store images directly on USB flash drive in stand-alone 0.6
0.5
adjusts the exposure time you only need to press the snap • Routine tasks in cell laboratories mode 0.4
button to capture and store your fluorescence images on a • Single button multichannel fluorescence acquisition when 0.3
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USB flash drive. If needed you can adjust parameters in the combined with Axiolab 5 or Axioscope 5 stands in stand-
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OSD (on screen display) menu before you acquire the image. alone mode (with no PC) 0.0
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In combination with the smart microscopes Axiolab 5 or • Automatic exposure and gain adjustment for easy
Wavelength (nm)
Axioscope 5 you can even capture multichannel fluorescence fluorescence image capture
images by simply pressing one button. • Connect directly to a monitor by a HDMI cable for live Relative spectral sensitivity
image display for search and focussing and review of

acquired images
• Perform secure image data transfer to TWAIN-compatible
3rd party software solutions with the TWAIN driver.
Your Fast, 4K Microscope Camera
for Smart Digital Documentation
Trichrome stained blood vessels in transmitted light brightfield, acquired with Red bone marrow in transmitted light brightfield, acquired with ZEISS Axiolab 5,
ZEISS Axiolab 5, objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT 40× / 1.4 objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT 40× / 1.4
Axiocam 208 color is your smart versatile 8 megapixel color • Documentation • Full 4K resolution in outstanding 30 fps
microscope camera suitable for education, documentation • Education / Teaching • Brilliant color rendering

1.0
and routine applications. This CMOS camera delivers crisp, • Routine tasks • Live image enhancement functions like sharpening,
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detail rich live images with high color fidelity at full 4k • Materials research denoising and HDR 0.7
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resolution in outstanding 30 fps. Choose between three • Quality assurance / Q uality control • Use in stand-alone mode and save images on USB flash 0.5
modes of operation: • Fast high resolution live image for co-observation drive, use Labscope imaging app or ZEN imaging software 0.4
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1. In stand-alone mode, you don’t need a PC to acquire • Easy and effortless digital documentation – especially 0.2
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microscope images. The camera automatically adjusts suitable for education, digital classroom and routine 0.0
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Wavelength (nm)
enhancement functions like sharpening, denoising and • Ethernet or USB 3.0 as digital data interface
HDR. Digital documentation of your specimen has never • Use the optional WiFi stick and Labscope imaging app to Relative spectral sensitivity
been easier. control and transfer data wirelessly

2. Alternatively, connect the CMOS camera via USB or to • Document your samples as you see it in the eyepieces
a network and control it wirelessly with the easy-to-use • Stand-alone operation with camera control by intuitive
imaging app Labscope. Since you can connect multiple On Screen Display via mouse and keyboard without a PC
cameras to the network, Axiocam 208 color is the • Connect directly to a monitor by a HDMI cable for live
ideal solution for digital classroom applications and for image display for search and focussing and review of
connected laboratories, too. acquired images
3. In addition, you can use the powerful imaging software • Perform secure image data transfer to TWAIN-compatible
ZEN with your Axiocam 208 color. 3rd party software solutions with the TWAIN driver.
Your Fast 5 Megapixel Microscope Camera
for Routine Fluorescence Applications
Antibody staining of mouse brain section. Cell nuclei (blue), astrocytes Astrocytes. Green: GFP, red: tubulin – Alexa 568, blue: Hoechst 33342,
(green), cytokeratin (red), acquired with ZEISS Axio Imager, acquired with ZEISS Axio Imager.D2, objective: Plan APOCHROMAT 63× / 1.4
objective: EC Plan-NEOFLUAR 20× / 0.50
Axiocam 305 mono your 5 megapixel camera from ZEISS for • Fluorescence imaging applications with live and fixed cells • 5 megapixel CMOS global shutter sensor
fluorescence imaging for your routine lab and enables a range • Documentation of fluorescent cell cultures • 11.1 mm image diagonal
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Quantum Efficiency [%]

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of applications for live cell observation. The state-of-the-art • Routine tasks in cell laboratories • Fast readout with 36 images per second in full color
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CMOS Global Shutter technology lets you follow and capture • Materials research in near infrared wavelengths resolution
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samples accurately. Thanks to its high dynamic range, you • Time lapse recording • 12 bit digitization finer gradation in signal
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can acquire images with various high contrasts and intensities • Multi channel imaging without the need for hardware • Small 3.45 micron pixels for better sampling at low 20
in a single image. A dark homogenous background helps trigger synchronization magnifications 10
you see even the finest structural details. And it’s a really • Global shutter architecture for distortion-free images 0
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fast camera, acquiring up to 36 frames per second at full 5 • Active thermal stabilization of the sensor for extremely
Wavelength (nm)
megapixel resolution. Highly sensitive sensor technology and reproducible image quality
sophisticated camera engineering means your Axiocam 305 • Easy to use super-speed USB 3.0 connection Spectral sensitivity
mono will deliver reproducible results every time. The sensor • Fast and efficient operation with ZEN imaging software
is temperature-stabilized, resulting in reproducible quality and
reduced background noise. Easy to use ZEN imaging software
fully supports the robust camera performance by an intuitive
user interface through a simple and fast USB 3.0 connection.
for Routine and Research Labs
Liver of Amphiuma in brightfield, HE-staining, acquired with ZEISS Axio Pure iron in brightfield, reflected light, acquired with ZEISS Axio Observer,
Imager, objective: EC Plan-NEOFLUAR 20× / 0.50 objective: EC Epiplan-APOCHROMAT 50× / 0.9
Axiocam 305 color is your 5 megapixel camera for high • Applications with bright samples • 5 megapixel CMOS global shutter sensor
resolution imaging at fast speeds. With state-of-the-art • Documentation • 11.1 mm image diagonal 1.0
CMOS global shutter technology, you can follow and capture • Routine tasks • Fast readout with 36 images per second in full color

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samples distortion-free and with great accuracy. Thanks to • Materials research resolution
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this highly sensitive sensor technology and precise camera • Quality assurance / Q uality control • 12 bit digitization for finer gradation in signal 0.6
engineering, your Axiocam 305 color allows the capture of • Fast high resolution live image for co-observation • Small 3.45 micron pixels for better sampling at low 0.5
quality color images for a wide range of applications. Acquire • Fast image acquisition and time-lapse recording magnifications 0.4
great color images with crisp contrast or use the optional • Global shutter architecture for distortion-free images
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black & white mode to document basic fluorescence. • Active thermal stabilization of the sensor for extremely 0.1
With this fast camera offering up to 36 frames per second at reproducible image quality 0.0
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full resolution, achieve efficient searching, fast focusing and • Easy to use super-speed USB 3.0 connection
Wavelength (nm)
ergonomic handling at your digital microscope workplace. • Color and black & white imaging modes
Cover more of your area of interest with its 2/3″ sensor format • Fast and efficient operation with ZEN imaging software Relative spectral sensitivity
and produce great color images on your compound, stereo,

or zoom microscope.
Though a simple and fast USB 3.0 connection, control the
camera and experience robust performance with easy to use
ZEN imaging software and its intuitive user interface.
Pathology & Histology
Histological section; red: CD61, blue: nuclear counterstaining, Histological section, red: MPOX2, blue: nuclear counterstaining,
objective: EC Plan-NEOFLUAR 20× / 0.5 objective: EC Epiplan-NEOFLUAR 10× / 0.3
Courtesy of: A. Schmitt-Gräff, Pathology, University of Freiburg, Germany
The field of pathology aims to better understand the causes, At ZEISS, the use of optical instruments in the battle against But nowadays it’s not just color stainings for transmitted light Color cameras from ZEISS reproduce color stains exactly
mechanisms and consequences of disease by studying the disease dates back to Robert Koch’s groundbreaking illumination that are used. You also employ fluorescent dyes the way they have to be, reliably and reproducibly. For
structural and functional changes that take place in cells and discovery of the causative agent of tuberculosis. Today, you to label and identify different kinds of cells and structures. fluorescence applications, ZEISS monochrome cameras offer
tissues during disease processes. Soon after microscopes carry out research and routine diagnosis in pathology and This helps you to get more specific information and, by the sensitivity and dynamic range to reveal even the faintest
became available, pathologists began to realize how much histology with different kinds of microscopes and preparation multiplexing with many dyes, allows to extract a lot more signals. Be they monochrome or color, your Axiocam will
help these instruments would be in carrying out such techniques, and this is one of the most important procedures information in one workflow step. match your ZEISS microscope perfectly and always give you
studies. Especially in conjunction with staining techniques, in practical medicine. Among the most famous stainings for the best available resolution for the structures you have to
microscopes became powerful tools for identifying normal transmitted light applications is the classic Hematoxylin and In both cases, the microscope has the task of presenting see.
and abnormal tissue as well as cell-morphologies. This Eosin stain (HE) that colors different tissue portions in violets you an image that corresponds perfectly to the real features
consequently developed into the science of histology, which and reds, according to their composition. of the specimen. This is true for observations through the
would have been impossible without such progress in optics eyepieces, but even more so when digital cameras are used,
and microscope manufacturing. since a digital image might be re-evaluated after the original
specimen is long gone or destroyed-sometimes even decades
later.
High End Color Cameras
Get True Color Images in High Resolution
These cameras all deliver outstanding true color images in high resolution. Their high dynamic
range and high frame rates meet the needs of even the most demanding pathology or histology
imaging. Large sensor areas offer best coverage of your microscope field of view.
22 High End Color Cameras High End Color Cameras 23

for Fast Imaging in True Color
Human intestinal polyps, HE staining, acquired with ZEISS Axio Imager, Human kidney, Azan staining, acquired with ZEISS Axio Imager,
objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT 20× / 0.8 objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT 10× / 0.45
This high quality 6 megapixel color camera offers you an • Color imaging applications in life sciences and • 6 megapixel CCD sensor with 16 mm image diagonal
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amazingly fast live image and acquisition speed despite its materials science • 19 full resolution color images per second
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large pixel count and the very large 16 mm diagonal field of • Co-observation with fast high resolution live image in • High image contrast with 14 bit signal conversion

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view. high quality color with a very large field of view • Small 4.54 micron pixels for optimal resolution 0.7
This makes it the camera of choice whenever large sample • Large pathology, cytology and materials samples • Fast quad-port read-out with global shutter architecture 0.6
areas have to be screened and recorded by taking many • Fast tile scanning applications for distortion-free images 0.5
image tiles repeatedly in a minimum amount of time due to • Broadest range of intensities and exposure times • Black & white imaging mode 0.4
reduced number of tile positions. • Reproducible image quality due to active thermal
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This is extremely beneficial in acquiring large pathological stabilization of the sensor

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tissue sections or large colored materials samples. • Easy to use super-speed USB 3.0 connection 0.0
• Thermo electrical cooled sensor

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Wavelength (nm)
Relative spectral sensitivity

for True Color Image Acquisition in High Resolution
Rat kidney section, objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT 40×/1.4 oil Rat embryonic tissue section, objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT 63×/1.4 oil
This flexible 5 megapixel scientific color camera strikes the • High-resolution microscopy • 5 megapixel cooled color CMOS sensor
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perfect balance of speed and resolution. Delivering more • High-framerate imaging with 11 mm diagonal 0,9
than 60 frames per second at full 5 megapixel resolution, this • Research • 62 frames per second in full 5 megapixel resolution 0,8
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camera captures even the most dynamic processes without • Documentation • Best-in-class color rendition 0,6
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compromising image resolution. Subsampling or sub-region • Industrial applications • Color and monochrome imaging modes 0,4
readout accelerate your acquisition speed to hundreds of • Materials research • Exclusive noise inhibition technology for low-light imaging 0,3
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frames per second. • Quality control • Dynamic range of 1:25,000 in high-dynamic range (HDR) 0,1
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• Pathology • Combined analogue and digital pixel binning

Wavelength (nm)
• Cytology • Small 3.45 µm pixels for high-resolution imaging
• Hardware triggering Relative spectral sensitivity

Your All-round 12 Megapixel Microscope Camera for True Color
Acquisition of Large Specimen Areas in High Resolution
Mouth region of a mouse embryo section, objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT Rat kidney section, objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT 63×/1.4 oil
63×/1.4 oil
This 12 megapixel scientific grade camera combines a large • High-resolution microscopy • 12 megapixel cooled color CMOS sensor
1.0

image sensor, small pixel size, precise color rendition and • Large region imaging • Large sensor with 17.5 mm diagonal for extended 0.9
fast imaging speed. The CMOS sensor delivers more than • Medical imaging field of view 0.8
0.7
20 frames per second with a 17.5 mm diagonal large field of • Material science research • Best-in-class color rendition 0.6
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view. You can now acquire large specimen regions quickly • Macroscopic imaging • Color and monochrome imaging modes 0.4
and with uncompromised image quality. The large field of • Pathology • 20 frames per second in full 12 megapixel resolution 0.3
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view reduces the number of tiles required to image largest • 30 frames per second of the entire field of view in live 0.1
samples, and so drastically accelerates tiling experiments. image mode

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• Exclusive noise inhibition technology for lowlight imaging

Wavelength (nm)
Axiocam 712 color is a highly evolved digital color camera • Dynamic range of 1:25,000 in high-dynamic range (HDR)
addressing the needs of scientific microscopy, including mode Relative spectral sensitivity
documentation, reporting and analysis. Fast and artifact-free

imaging with optimized color reproduction makes your work
comfortable and efficient. In addition, exploring your sample
on the screen, instead through the oculars, becomes a true
and very convenient alternative.

Your Fast, 7 Megapixel Microscope Camera for True Color
Imaging of Large Fields of View
Prussian blue staining for hemosiderin (iron deposition) in brown adipose NASH mouse liver with connective collagenous tissue stained in red.
tissue of mice. Sample courtesy: A. Feuchtinger, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Sample courtesy: A. Feuchtinger, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany
Germany
With its dual USB interface and state-of-the art CMOS sensor, • Color imaging applications in a broad range of fields from • 7 megapixel CMOS sensor with 17.6 mm image diagonal
Relative Spectral Responsivity

1
this 7 megapixel color camera offers you amazingly fast live life sciences to materials research and geoscience • 73 full-resolution color images per second recording 0.9
image and acquisition speeds. The large 17.6 mm diagonal • Co-observation with fast high resolution live image in high (faster with sensor sub-region readout) 0.8
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sensor allows for efficient imaging of large fields of view. quality color with a very large field of view • High image contrast with 14-bit signal conversion 0.6
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• Imaging of large pathology, cytology and materials samples • 4.5 micron pixels for optimal resolution and sensitivity 0.4
This makes it the camera of choice when screening large • Fast tile scanning applications • Fast read-out with global shutter architecture for 0.3
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sample areas as it efficiently reduces the required number of • Samples with a broad range of intensities and exposure distortion-free images 0.1
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tile images. This is extremely beneficial when working with times • Monochrome imaging mode
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large, pathology tissue sections or large, colored materials • Reproducible image quality due to active thermal
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samples. stabilization of the sensor
• Easy to use high-speed dual USB 3.0 connection Relative spectral responsivity

Your Sensitive 20 Megapixel Microscope Camera for Demanding,
True Color Imaging of Large Fields of View
Mouse intestinal goblet cells with neutral (red) and acid (blue) mucine staining imaged with 20x/0.5 (left) and 63x/1.2W (right) objective.
Sample courtesy: A. Feuchtinger, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany
Axiocam 820 color 20 megapixel camera combines high • The most demanding color applications in life sciences, • 20 megapixel square CMOS sensor with 17.5 mm image
Normalized Spectral Responsitivity

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sensor resolution, color accuracy and a large sensor size for materials research and geoscience diagonal 0.9
the most challenging samples. Its live image is 30 frames per • Co-observation with a fast, high-resolution live image in • 28 full-resolution color images per second 0.8
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second, providing navigation with the PC that is as smooth as high quality color with a very large field of view (faster with sensor sub-region readout) 0.6
0.5
looking through the eye pieces. The small pixels allow the use • Large sample area imaging in pathology, cytology and • Small 2.74 micron pixels for resolving the finest details 0.4
of low magnifications for high speeds and large fields of view materials samples at all magnifications 0.3
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without losing resolution. • Fast tile scanning applications • High-quality noise inhibition technology 0.1
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• The broadest range of intensities by high dynamic range • Fast read-out with global shutter architecture for
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Scan large areas faster than ever before due to its large distortion-free images
Wavelength (nm)
17.5 mm square sensor. This makes Axiocam 820 color • Best-in-class color rendition
the ideal choice for demanding color imaging in cytology, • Color and monochrome imaging modes Normalized spectral responsitivity
pathology, materials research, and life science applications. • Reproducible image quality due to active thermal
stabilization of the sensor
• Dynamic range of 1:25,000 in high-dynamic range
(HDR) mode

ZEISS Axiocam 705 pol
Your Scientific 5 Megapixel Microscope Camera for
Single-shot Polarization Imaging
Basalt thin section, Axiocam 705 pol, 4 channels
Axiocam 705 pol is your scientific 5 megapixel camera with • Material discrimination • 5-megapixel cooled polarization sensitive CMOS sensor
a polarization filter mask enhanced sensor. A single image is • Kerr microscopy • Meaningful methods for visualization of multiple
sufficient to capture different polarization parameters such • Mineralogy polarization parameters
as angle of polarization, degree of polarization together with • Glass and transparent materials • Low readout noise and analogue signal amplification
the image content. No special accessories such as an analyzer • Materials research • Dynamic range of 1:25,000 in high-dynamic range (HDR) mode
in your microscope are required. You simultaneously acquire • Live cell imaging • Small 6.9 µm per polarization pixel unit for high-resolution
polarization effects with one single exposure over the field of imaging
view which speeds up your imaging as no analyzer needs to • Hardware triggering
be adjusted.
Representation of the acquired image information
with Axiocam 705 pol
• Encoded Pseudo Color 4 Channel Image
• Channel 1 = Angle of Polarization • Method of color encoding in HSV color space
• Channel 2 = Degree of linear Polarization • Hue = Angle of polarization
• Channel 3 = Intensity • Saturation = Degree of linear Polarization
• Channel 4 = Color encoded information derived from above • Value = Intensitiy
channels • I = Intensity
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/HSV-Farbraum

Large Area Imaging
Young mouse, cross section brightfield, acquired with ZEISS Axio Zoom.V16, Foil capacitor, cut open, with dielectric in between; acquired with
objective: PlanApo Z 0.5× magnification 6× ZEISS Axio Zoom.V16, reproduction of object / camera 0.8
You use microscopes to make small structures appear bigger. part of it – to answer your question. After a large area has While this procedure has commonly been used for many possibilities that come with it – for example, an increased
Nevertheless, these small structures are often embedded been digitized, you can identify rare events or make a more years, the current generation of ZEISS Axiocams is able to level of detail – have to be paid for by imaging a larger area,
in larger collections of cells or in tissues. This is the case accurate statistical analysis on the images. speed things up greatly and at the same time generate higher thus resulting in longer imaging time.
throughout the life sciences, but also in materials science, quality data. When using lower magnifications, you need
forensics and in diagnostic applications. Examples include Generally, a very common approach to achieving large area cameras with small pixels, large sensor diameter and high Your Axiocam with high pixel counts and small pixel sizes
tiny synapses of large neurons in brain tissue, inclusions imaging is to scan the sample with the aid of a motorized pixel counts to retain resolution in the final image. matches your micro- and macroscopic ZEISS microscope
and defects on the surfaces of polished materials as well as scanning stage and then create a tile image that can be perfectly, making most of their objectives with high numerical
sperms, hair, skin and other remains on forensic evidence. merged into one seamless reproduction of the sample. In addition, since 2014 the scientific community explores a apertures at low magnifications. Whether for classic scanning
A perfect demonstration of this approach is digital slide new technique called ‘expansion microscopy’. This involves of tissues and materials or for imaging of inflated and
These samples in their entities are usually too big to be seen scanning for research pathology. Axio Scan.Z1, for example, physically inflating biological tissues, which means that expanded specimens.
or captured within a single field of view of a microscope is an instrument that has driven a fast scanning regime even small biological specimens such as single cells can get
or digital camera, even at low magnifications. Often it will in transmitted or fluorescent applications with on-the-fly quite large and, consequently, the imaging procedure may
be crucial to image the entire area – or at least a large stitching and merging of tile image data to perfection. take several times longer than before. The exciting new

High End Fluorescence Cameras
Capture Even Faint Fluorescent Signals
These sensitive monochrome cameras are dedicated to capture even faint signals from your living
samples. Each Axiocam contributes a unique combination of resolution, sensitivity and speed to
your most demanding live cell imaging experiments.
38 High End Fluorescence Cameras High End Fluorescence Cameras 39

for Live Cell Imaging – Fast, Flexible, and Sensitive
SK8 / K18 cells, staining: intermediate filaments labeled tagged with GFP (green), HeLa cells, staining: Tubulin Alexa 488 (green), pHistone 3 – Alexa 568 (red),
Tubulin Antibody label (red), DAPI (blue), acquired with ZEISS Axio Imager, Hoechst 33342 (blue), acquired with ZEISS Axio Imager,
objective: EC Plan-NEOFLUAR 40× / 0.7 objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT 40× / 1.4
This flexible 6 megapixel microscope camera is a true all- • Live cell imaging • 6 megapixel CCD sensor
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rounder. It produces a high quality and rapid live image as • High-resolution fluorescence imaging • Excellent coverage of the microscopic field of view and
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well as the highest level of sensitivity for low-light and live cell • Fluorescence scanning applications sample overview, thanks to the 1″ sensor – twice the field 60
imaging. Its high sensitivity enables you to use short exposure • Near Infrared fluorescence dyes of view compared to 2/3″ cameras 50
times, even with weak fluorescent markers, preventing • Near Infrared observation in materials applications • USB 3.0 interface technology with fast 5 gigabit data 40
damage to your samples. You can increase sensitivity through transfer rate and qad-port, high-end CCD sensor 30
pixel binning – and still have enough resolution for optimal technology for rapid frame rates 20
10
imaging. • 2752 horizontal pixels × 2208 vertical pixels gives high
0
resolution, even when using pixel binning 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 950 1000
Wavelength (nm)
The camera’s 1″ sensor combines with the large number • Up to 56 fps with binning 5 × 5
of pixels to give you a field of view twice as large as that • Expanded area of application for high-aperture and low- Spectral sensitivity
of 2/3″ cameras. You will always have a good overview of magnification objectives, thanks to 4.54 µm small pixel
your sample. Optional synchronization of other components structures – highest resolution with a large field of view
by hardware trigger signals assures reproducible imaging • Thermo electrical cooled sensor
precision. • Optional hardware trigger synchronization

Your 2.3 Megapixel Microscope Camera
for Fast Low Light and Live Cell Imaging
Indian Muntjac cultured cells. Mouse kidney section.

Sample courtesy of: M. Davidson, Florida State University, USA Sample courtesy of: M. Davidson, Florida State University, USA
Fundamental to the investigation of weak and rapidly • Live cell imaging with high temporal resolution • Monochrome CMOS microscope camera with
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changing signals in biology is the recent advancement in • Low light applications 2.3 megapixels
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camera technology. Axiocam 702 mono offers cell biologists • Imaging at higher magnifications • Sensor size of 1/1.2″ (diagonal 13.3 mm) and 60
and all other researchers a high-speed CMOS imaging 1920 × 1216 pixels 50
solution that is very sensitive and affordable. If provides also • Pixel size of 5.86 µm 40

distortion free high temporal resolution at a very budget • Up to 128 fps at full resolution and up to 1000 fps @ 30
friendly price. 1024 × 128 pixels

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• Dynamic range > 5000:1 (>74 dB) at typical < 6e read noise
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This high-performance CMOS microscope camera has • Thermo electrical cooled sensor 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 950 1000
Wavelength (nm)
2.3 megapixels and a 1/1.2″ sensor (diagonal 13.3 mm), • Optional hardware trigger synchronization
making it the ideal choice for fast and sensitive fluorescence Spectral sensitivity
imaging.
Peltier cooling ensures low noise and reproducible image

quality, particularly when you are dealing with long exposure
times and dark areas in the sample.
Highest light sensitivity combined with low noise and high

frame rates give you the temporal resolution that you always
longed for in live cell imaging.

for High Resolution Imaging at High Speed
Fixed cultured HeLa cells Fixed mouse retina section, acquired with ZEISS Apotome.2.
Specimen courtesy of S. Nan and P. Heiduschka, Department of
Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Münster, Germany.
This 5 megapixel monochrome CMOS camera lets you capture • High-resolution fluorescence microscopy • 5 megapixel cooled global-shutter CMOS sensor
time lapse sequences of the most dynamic processes in your • High-framerate imaging • 62 frames per second in full 5 megapixel resolution
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sample. You can achieve more than 60 frames per second • Research • Wide sensitivity spectrum 350 nm – 1000 nm 80
with full 5 megapixels. Or, you simply reduce the pixel count • Documentation • Exclusive noise inhibition technology for lowlight imaging 70
60
to accelerate your imaging even more – up to hundreds of • Live cell imaging • Low readout noise and analogue signal amplification
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frames per second. Hardware triggering delivers precise • Low light microscopy • Dynamic range of 1:25,000 in high-dynamic range (HDR) 40
timing and enables extremely fast multidimensional imaging mode 30
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experiments. Active sensor cooling and low sensor readout • Analogue pixel binning
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noise make this microscope camera your ideal choice for • Small 3.45 µm pixels for high-resolution imaging 0
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fluorescence microscopy of dim and delicate specimens. • Hardware triggering
Wavelength (nm)
Your Axiocam 705 mono employs analog pixel binning and
amplification of signal to boost sensitivity. With high peak Spectral sensitivity
quantum efficiency of up to 72 % and a broad spectral

sensitivity ranging from UV to near-IR light, you can tackle
even the most challenging fluorescence imaging applications.

Your Flexible 12 Megapixel Microscope Camera for Fast High
Resolution Imaging of Large Specimen Areas
Polarized CACO-2 cells, filter-grown for two weeks. Specimen courtesy of Fixed mouse retina section, acquired with ZEISS Apotome.2.
C. Hartmann and K. Ebnet, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, Institute Specimen courtesy of S. Nan and P. Heiduschka, Department of
of Medical Biochemistry, WWU Münster, Germany Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Münster, Germany.
This camera brings lowest noise and high quantum efficiency • High-resolution fluorescence microscopy • 12 megapixel cooled global-shutter CMOS sensor
for those applications that require highest sensitivity. • Large region imaging • Large sensor for extended field of view
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Combining a large sensor with an abundance of small and • Research • Wide sensitivity spectrum 350 nm – 1000 nm 80
sensitive pixels makes your Axiocam 712 mono a very flexible • Live cell imaging • 20 frames per second in full 12 megapixel resolution 70
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camera, suitable for countless different applications. The • Macroscopic imaging • 30 frames per second of the entire field of view in live
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actively cooled CMOS sensor offers lowest readout noise and image mode 40
stable operation over long periods of time. Exposure times • Low readout noise and analogue signal amplification 30
20
can range from 100 µs for the most dynamic specimens up • Exclusive noise inhibition technology for lowlight imaging
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to 60 s for detection of the dimmest signals. This camera • Dynamic range of 1:25,000 in high-dynamic range 0
400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 950 1000
delivers more than 20 frames per second at full pixel count (HDR) mode
Wavelength (nm)
and goes up to more than 100 frames per second with a • Small 3.45 µm pixels for high-resolution imaging
reduced pixel count. Peak quantum efficiency of over 72 %, • Hardware triggering Spectral sensitivity
a broad detection spectrum and a high near-IR sensitivity

complete the camera’s set of excellent features. That makes
Axiocam 712 mono your all-in-one tool for monochrome
imaging applications, ranging from imaging of large sample
regions and dynamic specimens to high-sensitivity microscopy
of fragile fluorescent specimens.

Your Fast, 7 Megapixel Microscope Camera for Live Cell Imaging
of Large Fields of View
Murine lung tissue with tumor metastasis. Optical section of mitotic cells created with ZEISS Apotome.
Sample courtesy of H. Ishikawa-Ankerhold, Walter-Brendel-Zentrum für Cells have DNA stained with Hoest33342, Aurora B with Alexa 488 und
Experimentelle Medizin München, Germany Tubulin with Alexa 568
With its 17.6 mm diagonal, 7 megapixel CMOS sensor, • Fast imaging of dim fluorescent signals with a good • 7 megapixel CMOS sensor with global shutter technology

100,000
Axiocam 807 mono allows acquisition of large fields of view signal-to-noise ratio • Large sensor with 17.6 mm diagonal for extended 90,000
with a single shot, resolving every detail of your specimen. • Fast tile scanning applications field of view 80,000
70,000
The frame rate of 73 images per second at full sensor • Live cell imaging • Wide sensitivity spectrum from 350 nm to 1000 nm 60,000
resolution captures even the fastest processes. • Flexible setups with varying applications • 73 full-resolution images per second 50,000
40,000
• High-quality noise inhibition technology and 78 % sensor 30,000
Distortion-free imaging is guaranteed by the global shutter quantum efficiency for lowlight imaging 20,000
10,000
technology. In combination with its high peak quantum • 4.5 micron pixels for optimal resolution 0,000
efficiency of 78% and low readout-noise, high signal-to-noise • Global shutter architecture for distortion-free images
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ratios are ensured even at low light conditions. • Reproducible image quality due to active thermal
stabilization of the sensor Spectral sensitivity
• Robust, very fast and easy-to-use dual USB 3.0 connection

• Hardware triggering

Your Sensitive 20 Megapixel Microscope Camera for Demanding,
Large Field of View, Fluorescence Applications
Mouse pancreas tissue stained for DNA (blue), insulin (green) and glucagon Murine lung tissue with tumor metastasis.
(red) on pancreas islet. Sample courtesy of A. Feuchtinger, Helmholtz Zentrum Sample courtesy of H. Ishikawa-Ankerhold, Walter-Brendel-Zentrum für
München, Germany Experimentelle Medizin München, Germany
Axiocam 820 mono 20 megapixel camera is equipped with a • The most demanding fluorescence applications in life • 20 megapixel back-thinned square CMOS sensor with

100,000
large 17.5 mm diagonal back-illuminated CMOS sensor having science research 17.5 mm diagonal 90,000
a peak quantum efficiency of 86 %. In combination with • Imaging dim fluorescent signals with a good • 28 full-resolution images per second 80,000
70,000
its low readout noise, this camera is the perfect choice for signal-to-noise ratio • 30 frames per second of the entire field of view in live 60,000
imaging faint fluorescence signals in living or fixed samples. • Fast tile scanning applications image mode 50,000
40,000
Its square sensor most efficiently utilizes the optical field of • Low light imaging for the best sample protection with live • Small 2.74 micron pixels for resolving the finest details at all 30,000
view of the microscope for capturing more details. cell samples magnifications 20,000
10,000
• Compatible with the most flexible setups for varying speed, • High 86 % QE by back illuminated sensor architecture 0,000
The dual USB 3.0 interface enables the highest acquisition resolution, and sensitivity settings • Low readout noise of 1.3 e- by high-quality noise inhibition
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speeds without sacrificing the robustness of a standardized technology for low light imaging
interface. The high performance and unmatched flexibility of • Wide sensitivity spectrum from 350 nm to 1000 nm Spectral sensitivity
Axiocam 820 mono camera makes it the perfect choice for • Fast read-out with global shutter architecture for distortion-
the most challenging samples in life science research. free images
• Reproducible image quality due to active thermal
stabilization of the sensor
• Robust, very fast and easy-to-use dual USB 3.0 connection
• Hardware triggering

Live Cell Imaging
BSC-1; African green monkey kidney cells, DAPI, Alexa 488 Tubulin, Alexa 568 SK8 / K18 cells, green: intermediate filaments labeled tagged with GFP,
TOMM20, acquired with ZEISS Axio Imager.Z2, ZEISS Axiocam 506 mono, red: Aktin Alexa 546, blue: DAPI, acquires with ZEISS Axio Imager,
ZEISS Apotome.2 with deconvolution ZEISS Axiocam 503 mono, objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT 63× / 1.4
Fluorescence has revolutionized biological research in Your challenge is that most cell types of mammals and other Furthermore, emission spectra of fluorescent dyes and The Axiocam portfolio leaves the researcher with a choice
many areas. It started some decades ago with still images animals – and even plants – are not used to being exposed proteins are distributed across almost the entire spectrum. between cameras with two different types of sensors. You
and single or dual stainings. Today, multiple fluorescence to light during their physiological processes. That makes Cameras have to be sensitive in all spectral ranges where the can choose a camera with a CCD sensor that is flexible and
stainings or many fluorescent proteins in a live cell approach it the natural goal for you when imaging living specimens relevant dyes fluoresce, such as in the near-infrared range. allows you to switch between higher resolution applications
have become the standard. Often, you are also attempting to minimize exposure to light, all the while ensuring and live cell applications by binning pixels. Or you select a
3-dimensional imaging to obtain more information from the image quality is good enough to address your scientific There are specialized techniques such as lightsheet CMOS-type camera that allows extremely fast imaging at low-
sample at every time-point. question. High intensity light itself is damaging to cells fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) to achieve this, and ZEISS light conditions with excellent noise level.
and further phototoxic effects will result from fluorophore has transferred this process into Lightsheet 7. On the other
Tracking vesicles, observing changes in nuclear architecture photobleaching. In addition to decreasing the available hand, the right choice of microscope and camera also make In addition, your Axiocam is always precisely controlled by
or organelles and following differentiation of stem cells are fluorescence signal with each exposure, photobleaching leads a big difference when you are imaging with classic light the imaging software from ZEISS and ideally matched to
just a few examples of live cell imaging applications that to free radicals and other reactive products. microscopes, such as Axio Observer or Axio Imager, or novel the optical properties of our imaging stands and systems.
are becoming more and more frequent. This often means automated imaging platforms, such as Celldiscoverer 7 and That lets you exploit the possibilities of the newest sensor
acquiring hundreds or even thousands of images to get the This poses many challenges to the imaging system and Axio Scan.Z1. technology to the maximum.
data you want from your sample. especially to the camera. The most critical experimental
challenge in collecting meaningful live cell microscopy data Short exposure times are key for successful live cell imaging
is to minimize photodamage while acquiring images with a experiments. To detect dim fluorescent signals, it is essential
sufficient signal-to-noise ratio. to use cooled scientific grade cameras with low read-out
noise. Such systems need to be precisely controlled so that
the sample is only exposed to light during the actual exposure
time of the camera.

Integrated Network Cameras
Connect Your Microscopes and Your Students
These cameras can be connected to your WiFi – giving you freedom of sharing your images with
colleagues. Already integrated into the microscope stand, these cameras are always well adjusted.
54 Integrated Network Cameras Integrated Network Cameras 55

Your Digital Classroom
Your students use microscopes to learn about the morpho Whenever you consider buying new school equipment, think
logy of human, animal or plant cells. They will need a deeper about installing a digital classroom. An interactive digital
knowledge of sample preparation, staining procedures and classroom will help you produce the engaging atmosphere
finally sample examination if they are to learn to identify, for that motivates students to discover their field of study and
example, blood cell disorders. reach their learning goals.
Some lectures also require a thorough knowledge of various ZEISS microscopes and the imaging software Labscope
microscopy techniques and software for image acquisition make it easy to create a digital classroom with a network
and documentation. of connected school microscopes. You can now monitor all
student microscopes from your own iPad or iPhone. And get
Hand drawings of samples like onion ephithelium or oral your students encouraged by interactively involving them in • Connect Labscope to your microscope to start with
mucosa still play an important role in understanding your teaching. They will get on with their learning success digital microscopy work.
morphology. In addition, digital school equipment such in an enjoyable way and have fun in your training session by
as smart boards, tablets, e-learning and interactive video sharing their microscope images in their networks. • Connect Labscope to multiple microscopes to fulfill your
courses are becoming an essential part of your learning and microscopy works on different microscopes.
teaching methods. Document and archive your results.
And share the images in your digital network. It is full of • Connect your microscope to multiple tablets to do the
possibilities. microscopy work by different users at same time.
• Connect multiple microscopes to multiple devices to

enable a fully connected lab or classroom.
56 Integrated Network Cameras Integrated Network Cameras 57

Software
Use ZEISS Imaging Software to Make Most of Your Axiocam
Each Axiocam comes with a bundle of free software for basic imaging tasks.
Or can be combined with several high end modules of ZEN imaging software
tailored to your applications.
58 Software Software 59

ZEISS ZEN Imaging Software
All Axiocam models come with a free version of ZEN, the user-friendly imaging software from ZEISS.
ZEN unleashes all of your camera features so you will quickly and easily be acquiring brilliant images with your
microscope. It presents all Axiocam functions in a simple user interface. Turn on automatic functions to support
your imaging needs and get great results – fast! Non-destructive image handling and file formats, developed
specially for microscopy, are just two benefits that guarantee you will get maximum information content in
your images. In addition, the free ZEN packages are extended with useful features such as recording movies or
exporting to various image data formats. Image scaling information is made available and stored together with
your image data. Or simply use ZEN imaging software as an image viewer for both simple and complex images
with multiple dimensions acquired on ZEISS microscopy systems.
ZEN lite ZEN starter

Your Microscope Software for Applications in Life Sciences Your Microscope Software for Industrial Applications
ZEN lite brings you into the core functionality of advanced Upgrade ZEN lite with optional features: The free microscope software ZEN starter brings you these Upgrade ZEN starter with optional features:
ZEN software. For instance, you can modify your user • Acquire multichannel images of your specimens key features for materials applications: • Control ZEISS microscopes
interface color scheme to better suit your environment. Use • Acquire time-lapse images of your specimens • Use workbenches for repetitive application tasks
ZEN lite in compact mode for a clear overview, or use the • Use extended measurement functions to evaluate • Control ZEISS Axiocam microscope cameras • Analyze your images automatically
full view for quick access to all functions. ZEN lite saves your your sample • Use customizable workbenches • Control and acquire temperature-triggered image
imaging conditions together with the metadata in the .CZI file • Create image analysis workflows / w izards • Create, manage and export manually-scaled microscope sequences with the Linkam heating stage
format. images and record videos • Manage and link your data to IMS
• Use the manual focus of your microscope to create • Correlate your images between light- and scanning electron
• Control ZEISS Axiocam microscope cameras extended depth-of-focus images microscopes
• Create, manage and export manually-scaled microscope • Stitch images on-the-fly using the automated panorama • Take advantage of GxP functionalities for audit trail and
images and record videos f unctionality process insurance
• Use the manual focus of your microscope to create • Use basic measurement functions to analyze your sample
extended depth of focus images • Create Microsoft Word reports
• Stitch images together using the panorama functionality • Save your data and documents in the Data Archive
• Use basic measurement functions to analyze your sample
• Review the metadata in your .CZI image files

ZEISS Labscope
Your Imaging App for Digital Classrooms and
Routine Laboratory Work
Configured to Your Requirements Simpler. More Intelligent. More Integrated. Created for Your Applications
Labscope is your easy-to-use imaging app for connected Microscopes • Take your choice: HDMI, USB, and LAN interfaces offer you • Document results or dynamic processes for specific
microscopy. Be it for the laboratory, university, school or even All microscopes with a camera interface many options microscopes with images and videos directly on your iPad
your hobby – it’s easier than ever before to snap images, Primostar 3 HD • Use the HDMI interface to view directly on a screen • Make direct comparisons with other images
record videos and measure your microscopic samples. You Primovert HDcam without a PC • Take measurements, annotate the results and save them on
can easily create digital classrooms or digital labs – just Stemi 305 cam • Connect the camera to your WiFi stick or via Router to the file server integrated into the network
connect your ZEISS microscopes into a network. Explore the your WiFi network and enjoy the b enefits of the imaging • Load application images onto the iPad for talks and
advantages of an inter active learning atmosphere where you Camera software Labscope presentations, and use its image processing tools
can engage your students fully and enthuse them with the Axiocam ERc 5s • Use the integrated pointer to lead your students to areas of • Create individual reports with ease
content of your lessons. You don’t need to invest in parallel Axiocam 202 mono interest. Let them do their hand drawings with the drawing • Give a live presentation with your iPad or Windows PC
IT-equipment. Control your cell laboratory microscopes with Axiocam 208 color tube function • Network your classroom and move around freely while
a connected iPad or Windows PC, store images by workplace teaching
and observe cell cultures comfortably from your office. Then Software
share your images – at the touch of a finger. Whether you ZEISS iPad imaging app Labscope
use a Windows PC, iPad or iPhone you will enjoy the same (free download in iTunes store)
consistent GUI, with the same look, feel and user experience:
no training required. It’s never been so simple and efficient Functionality
until now. Documentation, image processing, camera control, iPad,
iPhone, PC, server (cloud), report function, social media,
measurements / annotations, parallel display of several
microscope cameras

Knowledge Base
Your Resource for Camera Terminology
Learn about fundamental terms of camera technology and their meaning.

See how sensor type, resolution, frame rate and sensitivity are interconnected and
influence your results.
64 Knowledge Base Knowledge Base 65

Sensor Size vs Camera Adapter vs Field of View (FOV) magnification) or less (higher magnification) of the image The unit cell size can be estimated by taking the geometrical Color filter
Use a c-mount camera adapter to mount your camera onto coming out of your microscope (intermediate image). Typical length (height) of one sensor line (column) and dividing it by
your microscope. Depending on the magnification factor intermediate image sizes are 25 mm for Axio Imager, 23 mm the number of all pixels in one line (column).
of the adapter, the camera’s sensor may cover more (lower for Axio Observer or 23 mm for Axio Zoom.V16.
Effects of pixel size:
Typical image sensor diameters are 7.9 mm (1/2″ format), Smaller pixels are Sensor pixel
Adapter 1.0× 11 mm (2/3″ format) or 16 mm (1″ format). • good for higher resolution
• lower in dynamic range
Different C-mount adapter magnifications are 1×, 0.63×, 0.5×. • less light sensitive
Using a lower adapter magnification such as 0.63× causes into a: • noisier
Sensor pixel
Axiocam 506 • Demagnification of the intermediate image, resulting in a
Axiocam 702 Axiocam 705
larger field of view for the final image Larger pixels are: Monochrome and color sensors – a comparison.
• Enlargement of pixel size, thus increasing light intensity • good for better light sensitivity
detected by the sensor • less noisy
• Enlargement of pixel size, which reduces the effective • higher in dynamic range Same pixel count
c amera resolution • reducing the spatial resolution
D = 23 mm
Resolution The best pixel size is a balance between sensitivity (larger
The spatial resolution of a digital camera is related to the pixel pixel) and resolution (smaller pixel) to get the best possible 1 Pixel 1 Pixel
Adapter 0.63× density, which is defined by the pixel count per sensor area. compromise for the imaging requirements at a given optical
The smaller the pixel aperture, the finer is the sampling of the setup.
presented structure. The reproduction of fine structures (lines) Even when the pixel count is the same, the image taken with the larger-sized
requires at least two pixels per structure sequence (line pair). pixels is less noisy because the CCD sensor is larger.
Axiocam 506 Depending on the spectral composition of the signal, the

Axiocam 702 Axiocam 705
optical resolution of color cameras can be slightly lower
compared to monochrome cameras because of the color filter Name of Effect Related Limitation Counter Measure
array. However, elaborate interpolation algorithms allow color Dark current Maximum exposure time, Given for a specific sensor-technology,
Spurious signal by thermally generated electrons Low light sensitivity, dynamic range, single pixel active thermo-electrical cooling
cameras to provide optimal image quality. inside the sensor silicon material. d efects (hot pixels)
This signal varies from pixel to pixel and causes an
e xposure time dependent signal offset for each
Pixel Size i ndividual pixel.
D = 23 mm
In addition it contributes to the signal noise.
Readout noise Low light sensitivity, directly limiting the Sensor design and analog signal management
Noise added to the signal during read-out potential low light detection threshold, dynamic dependent, signal amplification by EMCCD
Adapter 1.0× Adapter 0.63× range architecture
1 × 1 2 × 2 5 × 5 10 × 10 20 × 20 50 × 50 100 × 100 Photon shot noise Detection precision at high intensity levels, Theoretical and practical limit of detection is
Axiocam 705 Axiocam 712 Physical property of light, proportional to square noisy, low light images absolute, therefore no direct countermeasures
2/3” Sensor 1.1" Sensor root of produced electrons
11 mm diagonal 17.5 mm / 0.63 = 27.8 diagonal
ADC effects Detection precision, intensity errors Use of good ADCs, use more bits than needed,
Pixelsize = 3.45 µm 3.45 µm / 0.63 = 5.48 µm Differential and integral linearity effects, software calibration algorithms
quantitation errors of Analog to Digital Converters
Static sensor artefacts Visible cosmetic defects, fixed patterns in image On the fly processing of the image data with
Defective pixels, non-uniformity effects of photo o verlaying image information correction algorithms, black reference, pixel wise
480i 720p 1080p
6× larger FOV response, dark current, dark offset, electronic dark current maps, use of selected sensors,
640 × 480 pixels 1280 × 720 pixels 1920 × 1080 pixels
6× higher speed
 glow, hot pixels, column or row offsets, Correction by calibration of static effects, dead pixel
(66 % of 720p) (66 % of 1080p) black offset non-uniformities storage memory in camera
11 mm 27.8 mm
The pixel size defines the resolution. Dynamic sensor artefacts Visible cosmetic defects, traveling overlaid High quality electronic design, electronic shielding,
60 mm² 370 mm²
Blinking pixels, hot pixels, pixel and line offset patterns in image, subsequent artefacts in multi high quality cables and connectors, on the fly
flicker e ffects, electro-magnetic crosstalk of high channels or Z-stack images causing errors in 3D dynamic correction algorithms, selection of high
frequency interference effects, etc. renderings, errors in post processing algorithms quality components, high quality sensors and dark
One pixel is the smallest effective area on the sensor which is
like segment ation, counting, etc. current calibration.
Different sensor sizes in relation to field of view. to become one image picture element.
Overview

Extremely low temperatures – say, –20 °C – are not always
4000
4000
100 counts noise without noise required. Cooling is still unavoidable for EMCCD cameras,
Peltier cooler (white plate),
mounted on heat sink due to their specific working principle. All other camera
3000
3000 technologies have a benefit by cooling only at long exposure

intensity [counts]
intensity [counts]
times (after some 30s and more), when the low dark current
2000
2000
sums up and gets disturbing again.

1000
1000
Heat sink for cooler, connected Binning

with housing for dissipation Camera sensitivity can be increased by combining photo
0
0 100 200 300 400 0 100 200 300 400

position [pixel] position [pixel] Dark Noise (Thermal Noise): origin by thermal electrons in the CCD cooling generated signal charges from neighboring pixels during
about 8 – 10° reduces dark rushing by factor two read-out. This also increases the camera frame rate. One
Sensor
Socket
side effect is the loss of image resolution. Binning factors
Noise Sensor Cooling can range from 1 × 1 (no binning) up to multiple pixels such
Noise in a digital camera is a random fluctuation of the image Cooling is used to minimize the thermal generation of as 5 × 5. Multiple charge binning is mainly available for CCD
signal which causes a detection error. Noise can come from electrons (dark current) in the sensor silicon material and sensors. Binning in CMOS camera sensors is traditionally done
various physical sources and it limits the detection capability the resulting dark current noise. You can reduce the dark Thermo electrical cooling helps to minimize dark current effects of CCD and in the digital domain by adding neighboring pixel values,
of a given camera. Post-processing algorithms can be used to current by approximately a factor of two by lowering CMOS image sensors. which gives no extra sensitivity.
minimize noise, but this sacrifices other image factors such as the sensor temperature by 7 °C. Active thermo-electrical
resolution. cooling prevents the sensor from being heated by the power Frame Rate
dissipation inside the camera electronics. Cooling requires a heat sink to dissipate power from the The frame rate of a digital camera denotes the number of
thermo-electrical cooler itself. Additional measures are images which can be delivered per second (fps = frames
needed to prevent condensation from humidity on the per seconds). Unlike TV cameras, scientific cameras are not
Description Explanation Advantage Disadvantage cold sensor surface. Modern sensors show a vastly reduced limited to standard video frame rates. Digital camera frame
Analog Gain Amplification of the analog • Increases the brightness impression of • Standard case: when the ADC can handle the amount of dark current compared to devices from the past. rates depend on various parameters:
voltage signal at the output the signal full s ignal amplitude of the sensor no sensitivity
of an image sensor before the • Needed to optimally adapt the analog improvement can be achieved by analog gain
Analog-Digital-Converter (ADC) s ignal output from the camera sensor • Images look very noisy
to the input range of the Analog-Digital • Reduction of available intra-scene dynamic range
Converter (ADC) within the camera Exposure time shorter = faster:
e lectronics Exposure time limits the absolute frame rate independent from all other technical factors. If the time to collect
photons lasts for 100 ms, the maximum achievable frame rate is 1 / 100 ms = 10 fps.
Special case: in the case of a bottleneck
from the ADC input range  analog gain Sensor readout speed / c lock speed higher = faster:
can be used as sensitivity improvement Total time to readout: accumulate photon signal+ conversion into a digital signal + transmission to a PC.
Exposure and Readout correspond to a full cycle of an image acquisition.
EM-Gain Electron Multiplication-Gain. • Compensation for read noise limitation • Image affected by new noise source 
Dedicated on-chip high-voltage  real detection improvement of low random bright pixel events  Pixel count less = faster:
acceleration stage light image signals minimization of EM-gain required The more pixels, the longer the readout cycle, the slower the frame rate.
• In combination with back thinning • Gain efficiency affected by ageing  The interface bandwidth can become the bottleneck if the pixel count cannot be transferred within the sensor
technology and large pixels  providing limited durability of EM gain readout time.
best possible low light sensitivity • Reduction of available intra-scene dynamic range Sensor sub frame / r egion of smaller = faster:
interest Definition of sensor sub areas (ROI) help reduce the amount of transmitted image data
Digital Gain Multiplication of the digital • Mathematical way to increase • No increase in detection sensitivity
 frame rates can be increased,
pixel value by a numerical factor brightness • Histogram representation affected 
Prerequisite: exposure time is shorter then readout time of ROI
• Commonly used for adapting different gaps in the histogram data
intensities to display different • Reduction of available intra-scene dynamic range Bandwidth of digital interface higher = faster:
fluorescence channels in a multichannel Data transfer capacity of the interface. Effective USB 3.0 bandwidth is approximately 320 Mbytes / s .
image
Parallel readout architecture of more = faster:
CMOS sensors CMOS sensors exceed the frame rates of comparably sized CCD sensors due to significantly more parallel output
structures on the sensor.
Ways to amplify signals in cameras The interface bandwidth is more likely to be the data transfer bottleneck.
Trigger signal synchronization Synchronization of external trigger components with image acquisition
 reduction of the maximum achievable frame rates with improvement of precision.
Overlapping readout and exposure Special optimization for fast time series acquisition (fast time-lapse) without switching external components
 overlap of exposure event while readout of the previous image.
Only if exposure time is longer than readout  frame rate limited by exposure time.

White Balance
CMOS Sensor with high dark current, 10s, 4 °C ZEISS Axiocam 702 mono, 10s, 15 °C
1.0 The color of the illuminating light source influences the color
0.9
of an object. The relative intensity of the color channels of a
Relative Spectral Sensivity

0.8
color camera needs to be adjusted to assure a neutral color
reproduction. For this, you will need a manual or automatic
0.7
0.6
selection of a neutral (grey) point in the image. Fine-tune the
0.5
0.4
color reproduction by assigning slightly shifted target values
0.3
for the neutral point. Adjust the color temperature of the
0.2 monitor (i.e. 3,200 K) to reach the desired color reproduction.
0.1
0.0
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Display Curve
ZEISS Axiocam 702 mono offers extended flexibility for long exposure times up to 60 s The image display curve is a powerful tool in ZEN imaging
Wavelength (nm)
software, used to define how image data is displayed on
Relative spectral sensitivity ZEISS Axiocam 506 color. a computer screen without changing the raw image data.
Hot Pixel Spectral Sensitivity / Q uantum efficiency Use this tool to adjust dark areas of your image visually by
Cosmetic sensor defects are caused by a local emission of All kind of light detectors show a wavelength dependent light selectively changing the curvature or the steepness of the
electrons in the sensor material. Hot pixels are visible as sensitivity. The conversion efficiency is the ratio of incoming The spectral sensitivity of color cameras is lower than curve. Shift the minimum or maximum points to allow for
static single bright pixels against the black background. Their photons to generated signal electrons stated as a percentage. monochrome cameras. The color filter dyes on the pixels the limitation of the visualized intensity range. The color
intensity varies widely and scales with exposure time and Detection range of silicon based sensors like CCD or CMOS reduce the peak spectral QE by approximately 15 %. Color rendition can be influenced by a Gamma curvature. Image
sensor temperature. The signal cannot be differentiated from can stretch from approximately 350 nm up to 1000 nm, with cameras also need an IR filter as color is only defined in the characteristics are applied to the image data, if the image
photon generated electrons. If the sensor is temperature a peak between 500 nm – 600 nm. For detection of radiation visible spectrum. gets exported into non .CZI image formats.
stabilized, the dark current can be compensated for by outside of this spectral range, other materials need to be
subtracting the spurious signal in correspondence with used. Color Temperature
exposure time. Saturated pixels need to be interpolated
because image information in these pixels is lost and cannot Modern front illuminated devices offer a typical QE in the 2,000 K 3,000 K 5,000 K 7,000 K 10,000 K
be reconstructed. Cosmic radiation can induce new hot pixel range of 70 %. Monochrome peak QE can be improved with
defects over time. back thinned technology by up to 95 % in peak.
Sunrise / Sunset Incandescent Daylight / Flash Cloudy Day Shade Under
CMOS sensor with long exposure times ZEISS Axiocam 702 mono Candlelight Light Bulb a Blue Sky
Color temperature is a temperature value (in Kelvin) of a light Gamma adjustment – linear display
source and is used to describe the spectral characteristic of

the corresponding spectral emission. It indicates the color
impression of a light source: lower temperatures are more
red, higher temperatures are more blue.
The color temperature of the light influences how the human

eye perceives color.
Left: Dark background, non uniformity from common CMOS sensor at 10s, Gamma Adjustment – Gamma 0.45
Right: ZEISS Axiocam 702 mono with modern CMOS sensor at 10s with very dark background, low non uniformity

Dynamic Range
The available range of measurable intensities within one For example, full well 15,000 e⁻/ read noise 6 e⁻ = 2,500
single image can be computed as the ratio between the resolvable intensity values in one image. In this case, a 12 bit
brightest and the dimmest point in an image. analog-digital converter (ADC) is necessary to properly display
these values.
Maximum range is the difference between the saturation of
the sensor (full well capacity) and the noise floor (read noise).
Sensor Technology Explanation Advantage Disadvantage
CCD “Charge Coupled Device”, High sensitivity, good dynamic range, External driver electronics and ADC
Proven reliable technology with a very homogenous image quality, required, R elatively high heat production
long history of optimization. low number of image artefacts, from external support circuitry,
Stable technology and quality Usable for long exposure times with cooling. Limited readout speed due to charge
Minimum amount of post-processing transport mechanism,
needed, Speed limitation due to architecture
Global shutter architecture for simultaneous
acquisition,
Front illuminated and back illuminated
solutions,
Wide selection of pixel counts and pixel sizes
available, different architectures (Interline
global shutter, frame transfer)
CMOS “Complementary Metal Oxide Products with broad range of different Limited range of usable exposure time,
S emiconductor” quality and performance levels. m assive post-processing of image data due
A nearly linear Gamma over the whole dynamic range delivers a rather dark The same image displayed with a steep display curve – cutting away some of
Successor of CCD technology, Fastest image readout due to massive parallel to high amount of non-uniformities and
d isplay of this transmitted light image. the dark and bright information – shows too much contrast. recent breakthrough for mass readout architecture, highest dynamic range, cosmetic defects,
production of quality products, high light sensitivity, rolling and global Widely used rolling shutter architecture can
currently high innovation rate shutter technology available, high quality cause geometrical distortions from moving
mass production technology, sensor control objects.
and signal processing including on-chip ADC, Charge binning feature is not commonly
wide selection of pixel counts and pixel sizes, available.
Front illumination as standard, growing mass
production of back thinned global shutter
devices.
Advantages of Monochrome Cameras for sCMOS “Scientific Complementary Metal Very low average readout noise enables Only rolling shutter, mandatory post-
Oxide Semiconductor” very good low light signal detection, high processing of image data due to non-
Fluorescence Applications High end CMOS dynamic range, high frame rates possible, uniformities and c osmetic defects, limited
Monochrome cameras are better suited for fluorescence sensor control and signal processing exposure range, cooling required due to
including on-chip ADC, large field of view high dark current, blinking pixel noise,
imaging than color cameras due to multiple reasons: e xtreme bandwidth requires dedicated
interface technology, i.e. camera link
currently no charge b inning feature
Feature Explanation
sCMOS High end CMOS technology with Further improved sensitivity by higher QE Expensive, low volume manufacturing,
Spectral Full spectral range of the silicon, effective
Back Thinning back thinned technology for up to 95 % Only rolling shutter architecture,
Sensitivity Range range from 350 nm up to 1000 nm due to for
higher QE mandatory post-processing of image data
the lack of an IR blocking filter.
due to non-uniformities and cosmetic
Absolute QE Higher quantum efficiency of +8 % up to defects, limited in maximum usable
+30 % depending of the wavelength, due to no exposure time, cooling required to
color filters on the pixels. suppress higher dark current, new type of
Spatial Resolution Higher spatial / o ptical resolution, since there is noise, currently no charge b inning feature
no color filter pattern on the pixels. EMCCD Electron multiplication CCD, Highest available detection sensitivity with Low resolution, low pixel count,
With a color camera, the pixels are 25 % Back thinned Frame Transfer s emiconductor imagers, best choice for super Possible artefacts due to frame transfer
red, 25 % blue and 50 % green. With the CCD with dedicated structure for low light imaging requirements, amplification a rchitecture, limited dynamic range, ageing
monochromatic signal from fluorescence, only amplification of photo generated a rchitecture is built to skip the read noise e ffect of on-chip amplification structure,
a fraction of these pixels is then stimulated, electrons limitation for detection of lowest signals deep cooling mandatory for correct
and is thus less efficient. f unction, very high pricing
As seen here, a nonlinear Gamma curvature in the range of 0.45 over the Advantages of Monochrome Cameras for Fluorescence Applications
whole dynamic range often delivers good results for transmitted light images.

Technical Data
Color Cameras
Axiocam 105 color Axiocam 208 color Axiocam 305 color Axiocam 506 color Axiocam 705 color Axiocam 712 color Axiocam 705 pol Axiocam 807 color Axiocam 820 color
Sensor type CMOS, Rolling Shutter CMOS, Rolling Shutter CMOS, Global Shutter CCD, CMOS, Global Shutter CMOS, Global Shutter CMOS, Global Shutter CMOS, Global Shutter Gen3 CMOS, Global Shutter,
Quad Port Progressive Scan Back Iluminated
Sensor size 5.70 mm × 4.28 mm 7.1 mm × 4.0 mm 8.5 mm × 7.1 mm 12.2 mm × 9,8 mm 8.5 mm × 7.1 mm 14.1 mm × 10.4 mm 8.5 mm × 7.1 mm 14.5 mm × 9.9 mm 12.4 mm × 12.4 mm
equivalent to 1/2.24″ equivalent to 1/2.1″ equivalent 2/3″ equivalent to 1″ equivalent to 2/3″ equivalent to 1″ equivalent to 2/3″ equivalent to 1.1″ (square field of view),
diagonal 7.13 mm diagonal 8.1 mm diagonal 11.1 mm diagonal 16 mm diagonal 11.1 mm diagonal 17.5 mm diagonal 11.1 mm diagonal 17.6 mm equivalent to 1.1″
diagonal 17.5 mm
Pixel Count 5.0 megapixel: 8.3 megapixel: 5.07 megapixel: 6 megapixel: 5.07 megapixel: 12 megapixel: 5.07 megapixel: 7.1 megapixel: 20 megapixel:
2592 (H) × 1944 (V) 3840 (H) × 2160 (V) 2464 (H) × 2056 (V) 2752 (H) × 2208 (V) 2464 (H) × 2056 (V) 4096 (H) × 3008 (V) 2464 (H) × 2056 (V) 3216 (H) × 2208 (V) 4512 (H) × 4512(V)
Subsampling – – 1×1, 2×2 – 1×1, 2×2 1×1, 2×2 1 × 1 1 × 1, 2 × 2 1 × 1, 2 × 2
Pixel size 2.2 µm × 2.2 µm 1.85 µm × 1.85 µm 3.45 µm × 3.45 µm 4.54 µm × 4.54 µm 3.45 µm × 3.45 µm 3.45 µm × 3.45 µm 3.45 µm × 3.45 µm, 4.5 µm × 4.5 µm 2.74 µm × 2.74 µm
6.9 µm effective pixel size
based on polarization filter
cell size
Full Well Capacity – – 10,500 e⁻ 15,000 e⁻ 11,000 e⁻ 11,000 e⁻ 11,000 e⁻ 25,000 e⁻ 10,000 e⁻
Sensor Filter Mask RGB Bayer Filter RGB Bayer Filter RGB Bayer Filter RGB Bayer Filter RGB Bayer Filter RGB Bayer Filter Polarization Filter RGB Bayer Filter RGB Bayer Filter
(0°, 45°, 90°, 135°)
Spectral Sensitivity Approx. 400 nm – 670 nm, Approx. 400 nm – 700 nm, Approx. 380 nm – 720 nm, Approx. 400 nm – 720 nm, Approx. 400 nm – 720 nm, Approx. 400 nm – 720 nm, Approx. 350 nm – 1,000 nm, Approx. 400 nm – 720 nm, Approx. 400 nm – 720 nm,
IR filter IR filter coated IR cut filter coated IR cut filter coated IR cut filter coated IR cut filter coated protective glass coated IR Cut filter coated IR Cut filter
Binning No No Digital binning Charge binning Digital binning Digital binning Digital binning Hybrid binning Hybrid binning
1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5× 1×1, 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, 5×5 1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5× 1×1, 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, 5×5 1×1 1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5× 1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×
ROI (Region of Interest) Yes (adjustable) Fixed frame 1080p mode Yes (adjustable) Yes (adjustable) Yes (adjustable) Yes (adjustable) Yes (adjustable) Yes (adjustable) Yes (adjustable)
Readout Noise – – Typ. 2.2 e⁻ @ gain 1× Typ. < 6.5 e⁻ (39 Mhz), Typ. 2,2 e⁻ @ gain 1×, Typ. 2,2 e⁻ @ gain1×, Typ. 2.2 e⁻ @ gain 1× Typ. 5.7 e⁻ @ gain 1× Typ. 2.3 e⁻ @ gain 1×
Typ. 6 e⁻ (13 Mhz) Typ. 1,15 e⁻ @ gain 16× Typ. 1,15 e⁻ @ gain 16× Typ. 1.15 e⁻ @ gain 16× down to 2.9 e⁻ @ gain 16× down to 1.3 e⁻ @ gain 16×
Dark current – – Typ. < 1.0 e⁻/p / s @ 25°C Typ. < 0,06 e⁻/p / s at 18 °C Typ. < 0.5 e⁻/p / s @ 18 °C Typ. < 0.5 e⁻/p / s @ 18 °C Typ. < 0.5 e⁻/p / s @ 18°C Typ. 0.3 e⁻/p / s @ 25°C Typ. < 0.1 e⁻/p / s @ 25°C
Dynamic range – – Typ. 1:4800 Typ. 1:2500 Typ. 1:5000 at gain 1×, Typ. 1:5000 at gain 1×, Typ. 1:5,000 at gain 1×, Typ. >1:4,420 at gain 1×, Typ. 1:4,400 at gain 1×,
1:25,000 at HDR mode 1:25,000 at HDR mode 1:25,000 at HDR mode Low Noise Mode 1:6,230 HDR 1:25,000
Digitization Bit Depth 8 bit 8 bit 12 bit / 8 bit 3× 14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit 14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit 3× 14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit 14 bit / 12 bit / 8 Bit 3× 14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit 3× 14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit
Exposure Time Range 30 µs – 1 s 61 µs – 1 s 100 µs – 4 s 250 µs – 60 s 100 µs to 60 s 100 µs to 60 s 100 µs – 60 s 0.1 ms to 60 s 100 µs to 60 s
Analog Gain Yes 1× – 22× adjustable 1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16× 1×, 2×, 3× 1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16× 1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16× 1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16× 1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16× 1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16×
Frame rate live image / Live 17 fps at 5 MP Live Live 30 fps at 5 MP Live at 19 fps at 6 MP Live 30 fps 5 MP Live 30 fps at 2048 × 1504, Live 25 fps 5 MP (values only Live at 30 fps at 7 MP Live 30 fps at 2256 × 2256
Time Lapse Recording Ethernet: 30 fps at 67 fps at 1920 × 1080 19 fps at 2752 × 2208; 60 fps at 2464 × 2056 (5MP) Live 20 fps at full frame for monochrome or fast color 73 fps at 3216 × 2208 28 fps at 4512 × 4512
4K/1080p (H.264) (ROI in HD format) 32 (ROI in HD format) 115 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV 23 fps full frame modes), 145 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV) 75 fps at 2256 × 2256 (subsampl.)
USB 3.0: 30 fps at 136 fps at 512 × 512 (ROI) 33 fps at 917 × 733; format) 63 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV) Live 30 fps at 1920 × 1080 260 fps at 1608 × 1104 110 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV)
4K/1080p (MJPEG) 51 fps at 550 × 440 436 fps at 1920 × 256 up to 430 fps at 1020 × 120 60 fps at 2464 × 2056 (5MP) 487 fps up to 1920 × 256 Up to 447 fps at 1920 × 128
HDMI: 30 fps at 4K/1080p 115 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV
Not recommended for format)
timelapse imaging in ZEN 436 fps at 1920 × 256
Sensor cooling No No stabilized at 25°C stabilized at 18°C stabilized at 18°C stabilized at 18°C stabilized at 18 °C stabilized at 25 °C stabilized at 25 °C
External trigger No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Interface USB 3.0 Micro-B (Camera) to USB 3.0 Type C, Ethernet, USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit / s); USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit / s); USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit / s); USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit / s); USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Dual USB 3.0 (2× 5 GBit/s); Dual USB 3.0 (2× 5 GBit/s);
USB 3.0 Standard A HDMI, power Bandwidth max. 240 MB / s; Bandwidth max. 240 MB / s; Bandwidth max. 330 MB / s; Bandwidth max. 330 MB / s; (5 Gbit / s); Bandwidth Bandwidth max. 620 MB / s; Bandwidth max. 620 MB / s;
(PC / B oard) USB 2.0 optional, with lower USB 2.0 optional, with lower USB 2.0 optional, with lower USB 2.0 optional, with lower max. 330 MB / s; Single USB 3.0 operation Single USB 3.0 operation
speed; speed; speed; speed; USB 2.0 optional, with lower at lower speed at lower speed
speed;
Power consumption max. 0.5 – 1 W through 9 W, external power supply 4W, powered by 7W, powered by USB 2.0 and 7W, powered by USB 2.0 and 7W, powered by USB 2.0 and 7W, powered by USB 2.0 and 7W, powered by 7W, powered by
and supply USB 3.0 USB 3.0-Bus from PC USB 3.0-Bus from PC USB 3.0-Bus from PC USB 3.0-Bus from PC USB 3.0-Bus from PC Dual USB 3.0-Bus from PC, 5V Dual USB 3.0-Bus from PC, 5V
Software ZEN blue, ZEN core ZEN blue, ZEN core, Labscope ZEN blue, ZEN core, Labscope ZEN blue, ZEN core ZEN blue, ZEN core ZEN blue, ZEN core ZEN blue, ZEN core ZEN blue, ZEN core ZEN blue, ZEN core

Technical Data
Monochrome Cameras
Axiocam 202 mono Axiocam 305 mono Axiocam 506 mono Axiocam 702 mono Axiocam 705 mono Axiocam 712 mono Axiocam 807 mono Axiocam 820 mono
Sensor type CMOS, Global Shutter CMOS, Global Shutter CCD, Quad Port Progressive Scan CMOS, Global Shutter CMOS, Global Shutter CMOS, Global Shutter CMOS, Global Shutter CMOS, Global Shutter, Back Iluminated
Sensor size 11.25 mm × 6.33 mm 8.5 mm × 7.1 mm 12.2 mm × 9.8 mm 11.3 mm × 7.1 mm 8.5 mm × 7.1 mm 14.1 mm × 10.4 mm 14.5 mm × 9.9 mm 12.4 mm × 12.4 mm
equivalent to 1/1.2″ equivalent 2/3″ equivalent to 1″ equivalent to 1/1.2″ equivalent to 2/3″ equivalent to 1″ equivalent to 1.1″ (square field of view),
diagonal 13.4 mm diagonal 11.1 mm diagonal 16 mm diagonal 13.3 mm diagonal 11.1 mm diagonal 17.5 mm diagonal 17.6 mm equivalent to 1.1″
diagonal 17.5 mm
Pixel Count 2 megapixel: 5.07 megapixel: 6 megapixel: 2.4 megapixel: 5.07 megapixel: 12 megapixel: 7.1 megapixel: 20 megapixel:
1920 (H) × 1080 (V) 2464 (H) × 2056 (V) 2752 (H) × 2208 (V) 1920 (H) × 1216 (V) 2464 (H) × 2056 (V) 4096 (H) × 3008 (V) 3216 (H) × 2208 (V) 4512 (H) × 4512(V)
Subsampling – 1 × 1, 2 × 2 1 × 1, 2 × 2 1 × 1, 2 × 2 1 × 1, 2 × 2 1 × 1, 2 × 2
Pixel size 5.86 µm × 5.86 µm 3.45 µm × 3.45 µm 4.54 µm × 4.54 µm 5.86 µm × 5.86 µm 3.45 µm × 3.45 µm 3.45 µm × 3.45 µm 4.5 µm × 4.5 µm 2.74 µm × 2.74 µm
Full Well Capacity – 10,500 e⁻ 15,000 e⁻ 32,000 e⁻ 11,000 e⁻ 11,000 e⁻ 25,000 e⁻ 10,000 e⁻
Quantum Efficiency – 69% @ 525 nm 74% @ 500nm 78% @ 525 nm 72% @ 550 nm 74% @ 500 nm 78% @ 520 nm 86% @ 520nm, backside illuminated
Spectral Sensitivity Approx. 350 nm – 1,000 nm, Approx. 380 nm – 1,000 nm, Approx. 350 nm – 1,000 nm, Approx. 350 nm – 1,000 nm, Approx. 350 nm – 1,000 nm, Approx. 350 nm – 1,000 nm, Approx. 350 nm – 1,000 nm, Approx. 350 nm – 1,000 nm,
coated protective glass coated protective glass coated protective glass coated protective glass coated protective glass coated protective glass coated protective glass coated protective glass
Binning No Digital binning Charge binning Digital binning Digital binning Digital binning Hybrid binning Hybrid binning
1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5× 1 × 1, 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 5 × 5 1 × 1, 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 5 × 5 1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5× 1 × 1, 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 5 × 5 1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5× 1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×
ROI (Region of Interest) Fixed frame 1080p mode Yes (adjustable) Yes (adjustable) Yes (adjustable) Yes (adjustable) Yes (adjustable) Yes (adjustable) Yes (adjustable)
Readout Noise – Typ. 2.2 e⁻ @ gain 1× Typ. < 6.5 e⁻ (39 Mhz), Typ. 6 e⁻ @ gain 1× Typ. 2.2 e⁻ @ gain 1× Typ. 2.2 e⁻ @ gain 1× Typ. 5.7 e⁻ @ gain 1× Typ. 2.3 e⁻ @ gain 1×
Typ. 6 e⁻ (13 Mhz) Typ. 3.75 e⁻ @ gain 16× Typ. 1.15 e⁻ @ gain 16× Typ. 1.15 e⁻ @ gain 16× down to 2.9 e⁻ @ gain 16× down to 1.3 e⁻ @ gain 16×
Dark current – Typ. < 1.0 e / p /s @ 25°C Typ. < 0.06 e⁻/p / s at 18°C 1.1 e⁻/p / s at 18 °C Typ. < 0.5 e⁻/p / s @ 18°C Typ. < 0.5 e⁻/p / s @ 18°C Typ. 0.3 e⁻/p / s @ 25°C Typ. < 0.1 e⁻/p / s @ 25°C
Dynamic range – Typ. 1:4,800 Typ. 1:2,500 Typ.> 1:5,000 at gain 1× Typ. 1:5,000 at gain 1×, Typ. 1:5,000 at gain 1×, Typ. >1:4,420 at gain 1×, Typ. 1:4,400 at gain 1×,
HDR Mode 25,000:1 1:25,000 at HDR mode 1:25,000 at HDR mode Low Noise Mode 1:6,230 HDR 1:25,000
Digitization Bit Depth 8 and 12 bit 12 bit / 8 bit 14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit 14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit 14 bit / 12 bit / 8 Bit 14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit adjustable 14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit 14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit
Exposure Time Range 61 µs – 2 s 100 µs – 4 s 250 µs – 60 s 100 µs – 60 s 100 µs – 60 s 100 µs to 60 s 0.1 ms to 60 s 100 µs to 60 s
Analog Gain 1× – 16× adjustable 1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16× 1×, 2×, 3× 1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16× 1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16× 1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16× 1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16× 1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16×
Frame rate live Live Live 30 fps at 5 MP Live 19 fps at 6 MP Live 30 fps at 2.4 MP Live 30 fps 5 MP Live 30 fps at 2048 × 1504, Live at 30 fps at 7 MP Live 30 fps at 2256 × 2256
image / T ime Lapse Ethernet: 30 fps at 1080p 67 fps at 1920 × 1080 19 fps at 2752 × 2208; time lapse: 60 fps at 2464 × 2056 (5MP) Live 20 fps at full frame 73 fps at 3216 × 2208 28 fps at 4512 × 4512
Recording (H.264) (ROI in HD format) 32 (ROI in HD format) 128 fps at 1920 × 1216 115 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV format) 23 fps full frame 145 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV) 75 fps at 2256 × 2256 (subsampl.)
USB 3.0: 30 fps at 1080p 136 fps at 512 × 512 (ROI) 33 fps at 917 × 733; 210 fps at 1929 × 720 436 fps at 1920 × 256 63 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV) 260 fps at 1608 × 1104 110 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV)
(MJPEG) 51 fps at 550 × 440 534 fps at 1920 × 128 up to 430 fps at 1020 × 120 487 fps up to 1920 × 256 Up to 447 fps at 1920 × 128
HDMI: 30 fps at 1080p 1,000 fps at 1024 × 128
Not recommended for
Timelapse imaging in ZEN
Sensor cooling No stabilized at 25 °C stabilized at 18°C stabilized at 18°C stabilized at 18 °C stabilized at 18 °C stabilized at 25 °C stabilized at 25 °C
External trigger No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Interface USB 3.0 Type C, USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit / s); USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit / s); USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit / s); USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit / s); Dual USB 3.0 (2× 5 GBit/s); Dual USB 3.0 (2× 5 GBit/s);
Ethernet, Bandwidth max. 240 MB / s; Bandwidth max. 240 MB / s; Gbit / s); Bandwidth max. 330 MB / s; Bandwidth max. 330 MB / s; Bandwidth max. 620 MB / s; Bandwidth max. 620 MB / s;
HDMI, power USB 2.0 optional, USB 2.0 optional, Bandwidth max. 240 MB / s; USB 2.0 optional, with lower speed USB 2.0 optional, with lower speed Single USB 3.0 operation Single USB 3.0 operation
with lower speed; with lower speed; USB 2.0 optional, at lower speed at lower speed
with lower speed
Power consumption and 9W, external power supply 4W, powered by USB 3.0-Bus 7W, powered by USB 2.0 and 7W, powered by USB 2.0 and 7W, powered by USB 2.0 and 7W, powered by USB 2.0 and 7W, powered by 7W, powered by
supply from PC USB 3.0-Bus from PC; USB 3.0-Bus from PC; USB 3.0-Bus from PC; USB 3.0-Bus from PC; Dual USB 3.0-Bus from PC, 5V Dual USB 3.0-Bus from PC, 5V
Software ZEN blue, ZEN core, Labscope ZEN blue, ZEN core, Labscope ZEN blue, ZEN core ZEN blue, ZEN core ZEN blue, ZEN core ZEN blue, ZEN core ZEN blue, ZEN core ZEN blue, ZEN core

Applications
Color Cameras
Axiocam 105 color Axiocam 208 color Axiocam 305 color Axiocam 506 color Axiocam 705 color Axiocam 712 color Axiocam 705 pol Axiocam 807 color Axiocam 820 color
Histology / Pathology ++ +++ +++ ++++ ++++ ++++ + ++++ +++++
Live Cell Imaging + + ++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++

Fluorescence Imaging + + ++ ++ ++ ++ + ++ +++
Low Light Imaging for Dim Samples + + ++ +++ ++ ++ + +++ +++
Semiconductor Inspection ++ ++ +++ ++++ ++++ ++++ + ++++ ++++
Large Samples + + +++ ++++ +++ ++++ + ++++ ++++
Materials Research +++ +++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++
Quality Control +++ ++++ +++ +++ +++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++
Teaching +++ ++++ +++ + +++ + ++ + +
Clinical Routine ++++ ++++ +++ + +++ ++ + + ++
Dynamic Range + +++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++
Color Rendition ++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ n.a. ++++ ++++
Polarized Light Applications + ++ +++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ * ++++ ++++
Max. Field of View at High Speed + + +++ +++ ++++ ++++ +++ ++++ +++++
* no analyzer needed for pol imaging
Monochrome Cameras
Axiocam 202 mono Axiocam 305 mono Axiocam 506 mono Axiocam 702 mono Axiocam 705 mono Axiocam 712 mono Axiocam 807 mono Axiocam 820 mono
Histology / Pathology + + + + + + + +
Live Cell Imaging + +++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++++
Fluorescence Imaging +++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++++
Low Light Imaging for Dim Samples ++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++++
Semiconductor Inspection ++ +++ +++ ++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++++
Large Samples +++ +++ ++++ +++ +++ ++++ ++++ +++++
Materials Research ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ +++ ++ +++
Quality Control + + + + + + ++ +
Teaching ++++ +++ + + ++ + + +
Clinical Routine ++++ ++ + + + + + +
Dynamic Range +++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++
Max. Field of View at High Speed + +++ +++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++++

Service and support
for your ZEISS microscope system.
ZEISS moments are about passion. It is this passion with

which we service and optimize your ZEISS microscope
and keep it at the latest state of the art, so that your work
can systematically lead to success.
Experience service that lives up to its name.

Your microscope system from ZEISS is one of your most important tools. For over
160 years, the ZEISS brand and our experience have stood for reliable equipment
with a long life in the field of microscopy.
You can rely on us to ensure that you can always use your microscope’s full
performance. With repair services and spare and replacement parts, our skilled
ZEISS service team makes sure that your microscope is always ready for use.
Our experts keep on working even after you have chosen ZEISS, with a wide range
of additional services to ensure that you can experience those special moments –
those special moments that inspire your work.
Maintenance and optimization

Your ZEISS Protect service agreement provides all-around security for your
microscope system. There are no unexpected operating costs, and the availability
of your system is increased. With preventative maintenance as a fundamental part
of the service agreements, you benefit from optimized system performance.
We’ll work with you to select the service package that best meets your needs, that
corresponds to the equipment that you have, and that is tailored to the specific
requirements of your applications.
Enhance your microscope system

Your ZEISS microscope is designed to be future-proof. Open interfaces allow you
to extend your system. You can add your choice of accessories to keep up with the
state of the art and thus extend your microscope’s useful life.
We would be happy to help you to find which accessories are available for your
microscope that ideally match your application.
80 81
07745 Jena, Germany
Carl-Zeiss-Promenade 10
Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
zeiss.com/axiocam
Email: microscopy@zeiss.com
C e r ti f i e d
Q u a l i t y S y s te m
ISO 13485
Not for therapeutic use, treatment or medical diagnostic evidence. Not all products are available in every country. Contact your local ZEISS representative for more information.
EN_40_010_025 | Version 3.3 | CZ 03-2023 | Design, scope of delivery and technical progress subject to change without notice. | © Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH

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ZEISS Axiocam Family

Your Guide to Microscope Camera Technology

Cameras for Teaching or Routine Applications Integrated Network Cameras

High End Color Cameras Software

High End Fluorescence Cameras Knowledge Base

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your daily documentation needs. • Education / Teaching • 8 bit digitization

Relative Spectral Sensitivity

camera allows you to be well prepared to cover multiple

equipped with monochrome cameras.

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Relative Spectral Sensitivity

image display for search and focussing and review of

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Relative Spectral Sensitivity

been easier. control and transfer data wirelessly

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Quantum Efficiency [%]

in a single image. A dark homogenous background helps trigger synchronization ­magnifications 10

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Relative Spectral Sensitivity

and produce great color images on your compound, stereo,

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Relative Spectral Sensitivity

This is extremely beneficial in acquiring large pathological stabilization of the sensor

• Thermo electrical cooled sensor

Relative spectral sensitivity

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Relative Spectral Sensitivity

• Pathology • Combined analogue and digital pixel binning

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Relative Spectral Sensitivity

samples, and so drastically accelerates tiling experiments. image mode

• Exclusive noise inhibition technology for lowlight imaging

­documentation, reporting and analysis. Fast and artifact-free

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Relative Spectral Responsivity

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Normalized Spectral Responsitivity

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Basalt thin section, Axiocam 705 pol, 4 channels

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36 High End Color Cameras High End Color Cameras 37

38 High End Fluorescence Cameras High End Fluorescence Cameras 39

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Quantum Efficiency [%]

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Indian Muntjac cultured cells. Mouse kidney section.

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Quantum Efficiency [%]

and all other researchers a high-speed CMOS imaging 1920 × 1216 pixels 50

friendly price. 1024 × 128 pixels

Peltier cooling ensures low noise and reproducible image

Highest light sensitivity combined with low noise and high

42 High End Fluorescence Cameras High End Fluorescence Cameras 43

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Quantum Efficiency [%]

in a single image. A dark homogenous background helps trigger synchronization magnifications 10

documentation, reporting and analysis. Fast and artifact-free

c amera resolution • reducing the spatial resolution